Upgrading a business turned personal comp

[Cascsiany]

So I got this comp for free it's a HP Compac dc5800 microtower. I'm looking to upgrade for around $150-200. I plan on getting 4gb of ram but I need a video card, any suggestions? Also is there anything else I need?

Here are the specs:

Operating system installed
Genuine Windows Vista? 32-bit Business downgrade to Genuine Windows? XP Professional 32-bit

Processor
Intel? Core™ 2 Duo processor E8400
• 3.0 GHz, 6 MB L2 cache, 1333 MHz front side bus
Chipset

Intel? Q33 Express

Standard memory
2 GB (2 x 1 GB)

Memory type
PC2-6400 (DDR2-800)

Memory slots
4 DIMM
Memory Upgrade
Expandable to 8 GB through four industry-standard DIMM slots

Internal drives
Internal hard disk drive
160 GB

Hard disk drive speed
7200 rpm

External drive bays
2 external 5.25 inch, 1 external 3.5 inch

Internal drive bays
2 internal 3.5 inch

CD-ROM and DVD
SATA 16X DVD+/-RW SuperMulti LightScribe

Hard disk controller
SATA 3.0Gb/s NCQ SMART IV

 

[a pet rock]

Unfortunately. DDR2 RAM is more expensive than DDR3. You'll be looking at ~$50 for 4GB of RAM, I would probably suggest this but I don't know what's acceptable timings/speed for DDR2. As for the graphics card, you'll have $100-$150 which means you'll more than likely want a Radeon 6850 or GTX 460. Frankly, the 6850 is better, but they're close enough and you can get a good price, the 460 wouldn't be terrible. If you shop smart or used, you may get lucky and find a 6870 in your price range or a GTX 550Ti if you have to drop budget.

 

[Cascsiany]

Now will I be able to use the video card when I eventually upgrade the computer? Or will I need to get a new one? And is this a good price on a 6870?

 

[Snipeye]

You'll be able to keep your video card, assuming you go with the 6870 you picked, or any of the ones APR suggested. I don't see why you wouldn't want to keep the new card you buy, unless it's to buy an even more powerful one.

 

[Too Twitchy]

OK~
So, you basically could replace motherboard due to compatibilities, CPU, New DDR3 RAM, and a graphics card. Your current power supply should be a 300Watt we will be wanting a 400-450watt for now till later. All this will help for any later improvements. Although its advised you get a non-micro atx motherboard and new case. But, minimally, this should be fine minus the bling bling prices.

My research leniently shows via newegg:

ZOTAC ZT-95TEK2M-FSL GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card Item #: N82E16814500147Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy

Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model PGD38G1333ELK

Rosewill Stallion Series RD450-2-SB 450W ATX V2.2 Power Supply Item #: N82E16817182075Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM Item #: N82E16835100007Return Policy: Consumable Item Refund Only Return Policy
$12.98

BIOSTAR H61MGC LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard Item #: N82E16813138332Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


Intel Pentium G620 Sandy Bridge 2.6GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623G620 Item #: N82E16819116399Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Subtotal:
$250ish.

I know you said 150-200$ and please note i favored some objects or brands via price like rosewill, i personally like them. Oh and going AMD Motherboard and CPU can save you money for cheap builds. Kept intel didnt know your preference =P .

 

[a pet rock]

The G620 performs almost identically to his E8400. I think he'd be better served with a real GPU instead of a 4-year-old card, and saving his money for a good CPU/mobo combo later. It does suck having to buy DDR2 now, but I think it's just silly to drop $100 just to use DDR3. Especially considering he'll have to trade out his mobo and CPU again when he does have cash.

 

[Too Twitchy]

The G620 performs almost identically to his E8400. I think he'd be better served with a real GPU instead of a 4-year-old card, and saving his money for a good CPU/mobo combo later. It does suck having to buy DDR2 now, but I think it's just silly to drop $100 just to use DDR3. Especially considering he'll have to trade out his mobo and CPU again when he does have cash.

I agree although if it was me i would save to 600 and build a nice amd gaming rig from scratch. But with his question maybe i answered too directly. :facewall:

 

[Cascsiany]

Just to clarify I prefer AMD to Intel. And right now, just saving to $200 has a pain in the butt.

 

[Muffs]

32 bit versions of windows can only run 4gbs of ram. Also save up some more money, so then you can get some parts that will last you longer and save you money in the long run.

 

[Cascsiany]

Ok I'm resurrecting this thread. With my tax return I'm looking to spend about $500 on this upgrade. Now should I scrap the comp I have or just use parts of it for the upgrade. I won't need a hard drive if I replace most components.